The training course on essentials of non-formal education for facilitators will bring together young people who are trainers, facilitators or organisers of non-formal education activities and are likely to be involved in upcoming study sessions or activities supported by the European Youth Foundation.

The training course will focus on developing a common understand and practical implications of the principles and approaches of intercultural non-formal education activities, particularly in the context of the Council of Europe’s Youth Department.

Programme and methodology

The content and methodology of the course are designed to make participants reflect on and experience non-formal education. It will build on experiential learning, individual reflection, and exchange of practices among participants by using the participatory methods of learning, such as working groups and facilitated discussions. The programme will include elements of sharing experiences and best practices of organising non-formal activities in the context of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe and outside to support peer-learning between participants.

The course will itself apply the quality standards in non-formal education produced by the Youth Department.

The course will be implemented following three main steps:

  • Exploring non-formal education: facilitation, programme design, evaluation, learning theories and styles.
  • Applying Council of Europe tools and principles including the Manual for Facilitators and the quality standards in non-formal education.
  • Multiplying and sharing lessons learnt and best practices on non-formal education in youth activities.

Profile of participants

Participants of the training course are expected to be:

  • trainers, facilitators or organisers of upcoming study sessions at the European Youth Centres or activities receiving financial support of the EYF
  • in a position to transfer the knowledge gained during the training to teams carrying out activities (study sessions, EYF activities) in the next years
  • have some previous experience with non-formal education methodology (as trainers, facilitators or participants) and motivation to develop their competences.

 9 -14 May 2022

 European Youth Centre
       Strasbourg